Insidermedicine in 60 - March 14, 2008

From Maryland - The FDA has voted to limit the use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents in some cancers. ESAs stimulate the creation of red blood cells, and are usually prescribed in cancer patients to counteract the effects of chemotherapy. The FDA has voted against the use of ESAs in cases of breast cancer, head and neck cancer and in some cases of lung cancer. At issue is the possibility that these agents may hasten death and promote cancer cell growth.

From Alabama - Gardasil, the vaccine recommended to prevent the development of cervical cancer in teenage girls, may also lower the risk of having an abnormal pap smear. In a study of over 18,000 women, researchers noted a 43% reduction in abnormal pap smears and lower chances of having mild cellular changes that could lead to cancer. While the study doesn't definitively show that Gardasil lowers cancer rates, it does demonstrate that women who receive the vaccine may be spared more frequent testing.

And finally, from Munich - The superbug MRSA can also affect household pets, making it more difficult to eradicate. A woman who was a known carrier of MRSA presented with recurrent skin infections and boils, but it wasn't until her cat was tested and treated with antibiotics, that the cycle of infection was broken. Four weeks after the cat was treated, the woman's skin infection had completely resolved.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Essie Heinrich.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• esa
• cancer
• blood
• cell
• breast
• lung
• head
• neck
• gardasil
• human
• papillomavirus
• hpv
• cervical
• cat
• dog
• pet
• mrsa
• methicillin
• fda

[premed99]

In addition to the risks of ESAs, i read that there is also a financial incentive for doctors to prescribe these meds. So it is probably a good thing that the FDA is keeping an eye on things.

[iernurse]

Nice video. The MRSA piece is interesting. But it is hard enough to screen for the bug in the ER in patients. Cant imagine how hard it would be to screen pets as well!